Well, we broke out of our recent dining doldrums last Tuesday. It was kind of a tale of two
experiences morning and afternoon.
Experience one: and we’ll
see if we need to break this into two postings – you know me..
As you know, MFO is part of a small group of “history ladies”
that is assisting our Sheriff in writing a book about the history of that
office in St. Mary’s County. She said
she needed a photo of part of the National Law Enforcement Officers Monument up
in DC. So we planned a journey up there,
and decided to couple it with a return luncheon visit to the Hay Adams hotel as
sort of a reward for venturing up to the Big City. We seem to avoid going up there much
anymore. But with that motivation we
made an open table reservation at the Lafayette Room for 1:30, and decided to
launch from here about ten. In years
past we would park and “metro” into the city.
But, I really didn’t want to have a lovely lunch and then expedition on
metro with all the issues they have had lately.
So I did my research on MS Streets and Trips and generated maps. I decided on the tried and true route of
going up Route 4 (which turns into Pennsylvania Ave) through Calvert and boring
in past the capitol
0788
to the Mall. Both
destinations (Police Memorial and Hay Adams) are slightly north of the Mall
across from Judiciary Square Metro (“X”), and the restaurant near Lafayette
Park (circle):
Figured we could find “on the street” parking and even had
the foresight to obtain a roll of quarters before departing.
I must admit, for once we had a flawless journey up. We didn’t end up: a) lost; or b) in Virginia which
believe me has happened often enough. As
usual, as we left Southern Maryland the speed of cars was inversely proportional
to the distance from DC, and I’m not sure it is a linear relationship. Anyway, we finally arrived near the Memorial, near the National Building Museum (so often the “office” of my
Southern Maryland Blog Support expert). And,
which is also near the court complex (appeals, district, etc.), which is also
clogged with litigants and solicitors, most of whom seem to want to drive their
cars. And due to construction in the
area, there are even less parking places which were already in short
supply. Can’t find a place?....no
worries!... just pull up parallel with a parked car, turn on your blinkers, get
out, and go on about your business.
Never mind that it reduces the street to one lane, the hell with
them.
So, after a couple of trips around the block we finally
decided that finding a spot to park the vehicle was pointless. So, reluctantly, MFO dropped me and the gear
off in front of the Building Museum and said she would circle the block until I
got the shots.
We always
find the Memorial a sobering experience.
Two long walls contain names of Police Officers who died in
the line of duty (referred to as "end of watch").
Hard to tell from the
image, but the lines on the wall below and to the left of the lion are the listings. It is a huge (and, as we all know a growing) list.
Years ago, we attended the annual service honoring recent additions
with FOJTY, whose partner's name was incorporated onto the wall. Quite a emotional experience.
At any rate, I busied myself getting the shot MFO wanted, being a bit nervous with her circling the
block. To get a really perfect shot, I would
have taken longer, worrying about the sun which caused shadows, different f stops,
ISO ratings and such but finally I got the shot with the words she wanted
Although mercifully the temperatures were relatively
moderate, I was a bit sodden (we had to wear most of our DF(L) duds). I waited by the curb until she appeared and (relieved)
we headed for “experience two”
At this point I realize
that due to my penchant for over describing things, I had better spare us both
by breaking here and do the luncheon experience in another post, so we’ll close
for now with the admonishment to always
DF… whatever meal is
next
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